Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview on Sunday emphasized that Ukraine would never accept a peace deal between the United States and Russia if it was made without Ukraine’s direct participation. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Zelensky made it clear that his country would not stand by while major powers negotiate its future without its involvement.
Peace talks non-negotiable without Ukraine
Despite discussions between top US foreign policy officials, including Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, who are expected to meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia soon, Zelensky stressed that no substantial peace plan currently exists. He reiterated that Ukraine’s involvement in any peace talks is non-negotiable, asserting, “They can’t have it without us.” Zelensky also mentioned intelligence suggesting Putin might be planning another offensive, similar to the buildup before the 2022 invasion, though he did not provide specifics.
Zelensky rejects proposal to share mineral resources
Zelensky rejected an agreement proposed by the US to exchange half of Ukraine’s mineral resources in return for American support, calling it insufficient. On Fox News Sunday, US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz defended the proposal, arguing that it would provide significant economic growth and security for Ukraine. He stated the US public deserves some form of return for the billions invested in Ukraine’s defence against Russia.
Putin and Trump’s role in peace talk
Zelensky shared insights from a recent phone call with former President Donald Trump, where he expressed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “scared” of Trump. He said he told Trump that Putin was a “liar” and untrustworthy, but that Trump might have the strength to push Putin toward peace negotiations. Zelensky suggested that Putin could be more inclined to engage in talks with Trump, seeing him as a strong figure capable of exerting pressure.
“I said that he is a liar,” Zelensky said he told Trump of Putin. “And he (Trump) said, ‘I think my feeling is that he’s ready for these negotiations.’”
France host emergency European summit on Ukraine
After US officials suggested Europe would have no role in any talks on ending the conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron has decided to host European leaders on Monday for an emergency summit on the Ukraine war. The situation escalated further when Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine, suggested over the weekend that European nations would not have a seat at the table in potential peace negotiations.
Others attending the summit will include British Prime Minister, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
(With inputs from agencies)